Barcelona could have a ‘superstar’ centre-back on their hands in the shape of Everton target Ronald Araujo, Spanish football expert Terry Gibson tells El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly podcast.
The Kings of Catalonia couldn’t wait to sell Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes and Yerry Mina to Everton during the summer of 2018.
But, with The Toffees returning to a familiar hunting ground in search of a new defender, expect Barcelona to put up far more resistance this time around.
22-year-old Araujo has stepped up impressively during the injury-enforced absence of Gerard Pique this season, catching the eye with his speed, positional intelligence and dominant aerial presence.
And Mundo Deportivo reports that, with Barcelona determined to keep hold of the Uruguay international, it would take an exorbitant bid from Everton to twist their arm.
“I genuinely think he could be a superstar in terms of dominant central defenders plying in European football,” says Gibson, the former Manchester United and Tottenham forward.
Former Everton boss Ronald Koeman has been effusive in his praise for the ‘excellent’ Araujo this season but caused a stir when he left the 6ft 3ins man mountain on the bench for Saturday’s crunch clash with Atletico Madrid.
The La Masia graduate did make a huge impression when he come on in the second half the 0-0 draw, however, leaving Gibson wondering why fellow youngster Oscar Mingueza was chosen in his place.
“I’ve become a fan of Mingueza but Araujo is clearly better, at both ends of the pitch. Araujo is proving to be a future Barcelona centre-half and that has come as a surprise.
“So I think it was a mistake by Koeman not to start him.”
That stalemate with Atletico, coupled with Tuesday’s collapse against Levante, means Araujo is very unlikely to end his breakthrough season with a La Liga winner’s medal around his neck.
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